Internet use and Chinese older adults ? subjective well-being (SWB): The role of parent-child contact and relationship

The present study aims to examine whether the frequency of parent-child contact and the parent-child relationship can mediate the relationship between Internet use and Chinese older people?s subjective well-being. Potential gender differences in such a relationship were also explored. We adopted a national representative sample of 7,862 older adults aged 60 and over from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Path analyses revealed that parent-child contact and parent-child relationship sequentially mediated the relationship between Internet use and older adults? subjective well-being. Gender moderated the mediatory role of parent-child contact frequency. The findings indicate that Internet use may empower older adults to maintain close inter generational relationships contributing to their subjective well-being. Gender differences in Internet use and its implications on older adults? health and well-being should be paid attention to in future research and practices.

Automated summary

The study found that Internet use has a positive impact on the subjective well-being of older adults, with parent-child contact frequency and relationship playing a mediating role, and gender moderating the mediation effect of parent-child contact frequency.